Petition Shows Public Support for the Regularisation of Undocumented in Ireland

The Migrant Rights Centre Ireland (MRCI) and supporters today presented the Minister for Justice’s Special Advisor with over 4000 signatures in support of the regularisation of undocumented migrants in Ireland. “These signatures show support from the Irish Public to find a solution for an estimated 30,000 undocumented men, women and children living in Ireland” said Edel McGinley of MRCI.

Ms McGinley continued “people who are undocumented are rooted within our communities but often live under tremendous stress and fear. Most are cut off from their families similar to the Irish undocumented in the United States.  This public show of solidarity builds on the political commitment of the Labour Party who passed a motion in April this year to support the introduction of an Earned Regularisation Scheme”. 

Muhammed Uzman, a Chemical Engineer from Pakistan who holds a postgraduate degree in Pharmaceutical Engineering from Cork University was part of the delegation handing over the petition, he said “I am undocumented and have been working and paying taxes in Ireland for over 10 years.  I am very grateful for the support and understanding of the Irish people.  I am the same as the 1000’s of undocumented Irish living across the globe and I believe the majority of fair minded Irish people recognise this”. 

Elisia Fuentes from the Philippines, on handing over the petition spoke on behalf of the Justice for the Undocumented Campaign; she said “by receiving this petition the Minister for Justice shows an understanding that a solution needs to be found”.  She continued, “Local Councils have also recognised this as Dublin City Council, South Dublin County Council and Fingal County Council, passed motions to support us.  Today we are calling on the Minister for Justice for Justice Alan Shatter, to introduce an Earned Regularisation Scheme which considers both the rights and responsibilities of undocumented people living here”.

Migrant Rights Centre Ireland is an Atlantic grantee.